Yeah, is specifically meant economic freedom, at least as it applies to me. More affordable housing (I could still afford my payment even if my salary dropped in half if absolutely necessary), no worrying to death about medical bills, etc. This even allowed me to start my farm business which I'd likey be too terrified to do in the US. All in all I feel much less fear and anxiety over monetary matters here (though wanting to travel internationally sucks right now due to the weak yen, which I suppose is a downside).

My only real point of friction is investing, but that's because I'm a US citizen still (until my parents pass, anyway) and that's not a Japan problem. I've heard that buying and selling gold has some weird rules, but that's not an issue I face.

Yeah, I specifically meant economic freedom, or at least what I feel I have the freedom to do without worried like I had in the US. I'm not a small business owner (just me for now), bout a house that doesn't break the bank without fear of not being able to afford it even at half my salary, and don't worry about medical bills.

I've heard there are weird laws around buying and selling gold, but I don't so I can't speak to that. The most friction I have is with investing because I still have US citizenship which is not a Japan problem.